Sports Briefs

The Juneau-Douglas High School wrestling team will take a smaller-than-usual group of 11 competitors to Ketchikan today and Saturday for Southeast dual meets against Sitka and host Ketchikan.

Juneau coach Kris Mercer said he's leaving behind a number of wrestlers - including all of Juneau's 103-, 112- and 119-pounders - so they can focus on schoolwork.

"We've had so many trips, so much out-of-town stuff, that the kids need to get caught up academically," Mercer said.

Juneau has been strong this season in the lower weight classes, so the forfeits at 103, 112 and 119 will hurt Juneau's chances at winning team titles this weekend. Mercer said many of the Crimson Bears who make the trip will likely wrestle up a weight class as they prepare for the upcoming region meet.

The Crimson Bears will host Ketchikan and Sitka for a similar series of triple-dual meets on Jan. 21-22. It will be Juneau's last home event of the season, and the last regular-season competition before the region meet in Sitka on Jan. 28-29